Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) is pleased to announce that a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based recyclable plastic bottle developed by the Company has been adopted by Shirataki Sake Brewery, and will be used as a container for the Jozen Mizuno Gotoshi product range as a light and easy to carry product. The Yuzawamachi, Minamiuonuma-gun(county)-based sake maker will utilize the new bottle as a container for one of its major products, known as JOZEN WHITE, Shirataki Pure Rice Sake, Junmai Ginjo 300ml to be launched from October 1, 2018.

The 300ml Plastic Bottle

The DNP developed recyclable plastic bottle reproduces the shape of the original glass bottle used with the Jozen Mizuno Gotoshi product range. In addition, apart from boasting superior oxygen barrier properties, it also achieves increased light inhibiting properties as a result of the white external wrapped film, at the same time as making it possible to maintain quality for extended periods of time. As a plastic bottle it is lighter than the original glass, and is hence easier to carry, and as it will not break if dropped is also suitable for a variety of uses, including outdoor and leisure activities.

Product Summary

PET-based recyclable plastic bottles that are lightweight and easy to use are currently used with a variety of beverages. In accordance with the guidelines of the Council for PET Bottle Recycling, however, the coloring of such bottles for use in the domestic market is not permitted. As a result, it has been extremely difficult to use such bottles with beverages, such as alcoholic beverages, where light-inhibiting and oxygen barrier properties are called for in order to prevent changes and a deterioration of the contents.

In order to meet this challenge, DNP has developed an integrally preform-based stretch blow molded plastic bottle with a colored film that covered the surrounding and bottom of the bottle and provided light-inhibiting and oxygen barrier properties to the otherwise transparent bottle. It is also possible to print an aesthetically pleasing design on the film as to embellish the bottle.

When the external colored film is removed, the bottle reverts to a transparent state, thereby complying with the domestic recycling guidelines and can be recycled in the same way as regular plastic bottles after drinking.

Looking Ahead

Integrally Stretch Blow-Molded Plastic Bottle

DNP was the first Japanese to commercially apply the in-line molding method, using a test tube shaped preform delivered to the beverage company's plants before inflating the preform while filling with liquid contents. By blow-molding small preforms at beverage plants, this method improves transport efficiency and reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared to transporting empty, but fully formed plastic bottles to the plant.

DNP developed functional film-covered composite plastic bottles enhance the light-shielding and oxygen barrier properties by integrally molding the preform covered with a colored film. As of September 2018, about one-third of beverages in plastic bottles sold in Japan are manufactured using DNP's aseptic filling system.

* Product prices, specifications and service contents mentioned in this news release are current as of the date of publication. They may be changed at any time without notice.